Page 65 of They All Puck Me

"You're strong, Liv," Sophie says firmly. "And you're honest. You told them how you felt, and that takes courage."

I wipe at my eyes with the back of my hand. "But what if I've messed everything up? What if they can't get past this?"

"It might not feel like it now," Sophie continues gently, "but it will work out. Maybe not in the way you expected, but it will."

"You really think so?" My voice is small, uncertain.

"I know so," Sophie assures me. "Give them some time. This is a lot for them to process too."

I take a deep breath, feeling a sliver of hope pierce through my despair. "Thanks, Soph. You always know what to say."

"That's what friends are for," she replies warmly. "Whatever happens, I'm here for you."

We talk for a little while longer about anything but hockey—her latest dating disaster, a new restaurant she wants to try, and a hilarious story about her cat's latest antics. By the time we hang up, I feel lighter, though still uncertain about what comes next.

I look around my apartment, taking in the cozy clutter of books and notebooks scattered across every surface and the fluffy little dog laying in the recliner. This is where I write my stories—the place where words flow from my mind to the page with ease. But tonight, it's more than just an apartment; it's a sanctuary where I can regroup and figure out how to navigate this mess I've found myself in.

As I settle into bed later that night, Sophie's words echo in my mind: Give them some time... It will work out... You're strong... You're honest...

I cling to those words like a lifeline as sleep finally takes me under.

26

NOAH

Ipace my apartment, the sound of my footsteps bouncing off the walls. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts about Olivia. Liam and Ethan float around in there too. Every step seems to echo with confusion and frustration. I stop in front of my window, staring out at the city lights, my phone heavy in my hand.

I scroll to Liam's number, hesitating. My thumb hovers over the call button. This could go wrong in so many ways, but what the hell do I have to lose? I finally hit call, feeling a rush of adrenaline.

Liam answers on the second ring. "Yeah?"

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "We need to talk. Can you come over?"

There's a pause on the other end before he responds. "Be there in an hour."

Liam arrives exactly an hour later. Punctual as always. The tension is palpable as we sit across from each other in my living room, the silence heavy with unspoken words.

“Alright let's state the obvious,” I finally blurt out, unable to hold it in any longer. “I have feelings for Olivia. Strong feelings. But I know you do too, and I don’t want to lose our friendship over this.”

I watch Liam’s face carefully, bracing for anger or betrayal. Instead, his shoulders sag with relief.

“I know. I’ve been feeling the same way,” Liam admits, running a hand through his dark hair. “I thought I was going crazy, feeling torn between my best friend and the woman I’m falling for.”

“So what do we do?” I ask, leaning forward. “We can’t both be with her.”

“Hell if I know,” he says, letting out a humorless laugh. “This is a mess.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter, rubbing the back of my neck. “Every time I see her, it’s like everything else fades away. But then there’s you. And Ethan.”

Liam’s eyes narrow slightly at the mention of Ethan. “Yeah, he’s part of this too, isn’t he?”

“Whether we like it or not,” I say with a sigh. “He’s got feelings for her too.”

Liam leans back on the couch, crossing his arms over his chest. "Who knew Ethan had a soul."

I stifle a laugh. "Liam, you're a dick.

"My dick and I aren't on speaking terms right now. He's what got me into this situation." Liam retorts. “But seriously, what do we do now? Do we just step back and let him have her?”

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